Arlington vs Houston: Emergency Medical Technician Salary (2026)
Compare emergency medical technician salaries between Arlington, TX and Houston, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Arlington, TX | Houston, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $39,295 | $41,153▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $18.89 | $19.79▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $28,054 | $34,508▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $31,933 | $38,878▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $45,211 | $48,952▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $57,424▲ | $56,815 |
| Total Employed | 83 | 2,680▲ |
Verdict
Houston, TX offers better overall compensation for emergency medical technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Arlington.
The salary gap between Arlington and Houston is $1,858 (4.73%). Houston's median is -12.55% compared to the US national median of $47,058.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Arlington spans $29,370,Houston spans $22,307. Arlington has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Houston ($41,725 effective) pays 1.94% more than Arlington ($40,932 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Arlington if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($57,424)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Choose Houston if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($41,153/year)
- ✓Larger job market (2,680 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $41,725)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, emergency medical technician salaries in Arlington grew -1.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 7.0% growth in Houston over the same period.
Arlington, TX
$37,530 (2024) → $37,134 (2025)
Houston, TX
$36,360 (2021) → $38,890 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Arlington, TX
Houston, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays emergency medical technicians more: Arlington or Houston?
What is the hourly rate difference between Arlington and Houston?
Should I relocate from Arlington to Houston as a emergency medical technician?
What do entry-level emergency medical technicians earn in Arlington vs Houston?
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Written by Aisha Patel, EMT-P
Career Analyst
Aisha has 10 years of experience as an emergency medical technician. She specializes in pre-hospital care and triage. Aisha works primarily in urban emergency services.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.82% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Aisha Patel, EMT-P, a licensed emergency medical technician with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov